Nobel laureate and South African anti-apartheid struggle hero Desmond Tutu today caught the Indian leadership unaware by strongly advocating independence for Tibet soon after receiving the coveted Gandhi Peace Prize. -Hugely important and very encouraging, says chair woman of the Norwegian Tibet Committee (NTC) Chungdak Koren, right, in Bruxelles last year on the event of the awarding of the Light of Truth Award by the international Campaign for Tibet, also to Bishop Tutu. (31-JAN-07)

Based on a press release from the Indian news agency PTI, this article has been edited and supplemented for republication here by HRHF / Niels Jacob Harbitz.

“We thank you for giving refuge to one of greatest human beings, the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama and pray that your help bring about freedom of his Tibet,” the 76-years-old human rights activist from South Africa said after President Abdul Kalam presented the award to him at a function in the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhawan. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and a galaxy of dignitaries were present.

Chungdak and Tutu in Bruxelles 2006 350.jpg-The international community´s pressure on China is undiminishing
-Bishop Tutu has for long been a sincere supporter of the Tibetan cause, and has advocated for human rights issues in Tibet on numerous occasions. He is also a good friend of Dalai Lama himself and their joint eforts to promote peace in the world has made a difference for thousands of people, and in many places. His explicit reference to the Tibetanas cause on this occasion has renewed the hope of the Tibetan people still living under Chinese suppression that the attention and pressure of the international community is undiminishing, adds Koren, left, with Tutu and Executive Director of Inernational Campaign for Tibet, Europe, Ms Tsering Jampa.   

-Only his personal views
Keeping in mind the sensitivity of ties between India and the People´s Republic of China, PMO sources were quick to point out that India recognised only one the People´s Republic of China and termed the remarks by Tutu as his personal views. Tutu, who rose to fame as an opponent of apartheid, has also sought India’s help in bringing about the “freedom” of Burma and release of pro-democracy leader Aung Sans Suu Kyi, right. The South African leader said, “I dedicate the award to the people of South Africa, to the freedom of Darfur and to Aung Sans Suu Kyi”. The Prime Minister said Tutu and his comrade-in-arms Nelson Mandela fought for the end to apartheid and the right to live in peace with all races, all religions and all communities. “Today, in conferring the Gandhi Peace Prize, we are only adding our own voice to the global recognition of Bishop Tutu’s Gandhism”, he said.